The Los Angeles Rams officially welcomed defensive tackle Aaron Donald back on Sunday, Aug. 30.
On his second day back with the team, he did not participate in practice, but it was a planned absence.
Rams coach Sean McVay continues to take it “a day at a time” when it comes to Donald and his process to get ready for the defensive tackle’s first NFL season since 2023.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year helped lead the Rams to victory in Super Bowl 56 in the years before his brief retirement.
“This has never been done before,” McVay said. “I think him being able to help guide us and then being able to trust Reggie (Scott) and what we think is best for the ramp-up is what we're going to do.”
Scott oversees the Rams' medical and physical rehabilitation
staff.
McVay indicated that Donald “did a lot of stuff. It was inside, off the field.”
Will Aaron Donald play for Rams against 49ers?
McVay explained further that among the things that the Rams are in the process of deciding is whether or not Donald will be traveling for the season opener in Australia on Sept. 10.
"I wouldn't rule anything out yet,” McVay said. “I think sometimes when you put unnecessary parameters or guidelines on something, it can skew things."
The Rams will open the season as the "home team" on the road against the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers.
While the Rams look forward to having Donald back on the field this season, McVay does not appear concerned if Donald isn't ready to play immediately.
“If he’s not ready and that is not what is best for him and for the team, absolutely wouldn't have him play in Australia unnecessarily,” McVay said.
Donald has played in at least 14 games in nine of the first 10 years of his career. He played in 11 games during the 2022 season.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Aaron Donald play in Rams' season opener vs. 49ers?
